Organizational Structures

Information Structures

Network

Linear

Hierarchical Matrix

Substitution of Information for Hierarchy

Functional Structure
Individuals engaged in one functional activity are grouped into one unit, such as HRM, Sales. Advantages Makes efficient use of specialized resources Makes supervision easy Disadvantages Difficult to get quick decisions Difficult to determine accountability and judge performance Coordination of the activities may be difficult
Board of Directors

Chief Executive

Production

Marketing

Accounts

Personnel

IT

Divisional Structure
Arranged around main products, services or customer groups. Can be further divided into either product or customer structures which enable staff to specialise in particular product or customer group or geographic structure where managers divide the organisation geographically, usually according to location of customers.
Hewlett Packard

Imaging and Printing Group

Personal Systems Group

Enterprise Systems Group

HP Services

HP Financial Services

Organization by Division
Individuals engaged in one functional activity are grouped into one unit. Advantages
Easy coordination and high performance Speed of decision making is greater Positive competition between divisions Better control as each division can act as separate profit centre and clear accountability

Disadvantages
Duplication of functions (e.g. different sales force for each division) Negative effects of competition Lack of central control over each separate division The interests of the division may be placed ahead of goals of organisation

Organisation by Area
Hewlett-Packards Headquarters Worldwide
Hewlett Packard

Americas Houston, Texas

Europe, Middle East, Africa Geneva, Switzerland

Asia Pacific Hong Kong

Area Organisation by Area

Advantages
Serve local needs better Positive competition More effective communication between firm and local customers Disadvantages Conflict between local and central management Duplication of resources and functions

Matrix Structure
A matrix or multidimensional organizational structure may have several structures at the same time. For example, an organization may have both traditional functional areas and major project units.

Structure Matrix Structure.

Structure Matrix Structure.

Disadvantages Advantages Efficient means of Conflict between local using specialised skills and central Easy coordination management work as a group Need good Flexibility and interpersonal skills adaptability to changing environment Ability to understand each others workload

Virtual Organization
Temporary network of independent companies-suppliers, customers, competitors linked by information technology to share skills, costs and access to one anothers markets. It will not have a central office, organization chart or a hierarchy!!